It’s -30 C. Do you know where your block heater cord is?

Seriously. As far as Lane Ebel is concerned, the Number 1 way to survive winter driving is through the preventative maintenance that would have revealed, in a best case scenario, that you didn’t damage, destroy or lose that precious piece of equipment back when winter was a cold, white certainty on a mercifully distant horizon.

That said, if you didn’t take the time to check out your vehicle systems when you had the chance, there are still a few things you can do to ensure your safety in a cold snap. Here, the NAIT Automotive Service Technician instructor outlines the basics.

The block heater. This is where that cord connects, creating enough heat to warm the coolant fluid (make sure your levels are sufficient) that transfers heat to all the important parts of the engine, including the oil. To warm the block heater, “it only really takes two or three hours,” says Ebel. “Timers are a good thing.”

The oil. In the winter, Ebel goes synthetic. The artificial stuff doesn’t thicken in the cold the way conventional oil does, which makes it easier on the battery and decreases friction on the engine as a whole.

The battery. “It’s a lot harder to turn over a cold engine than a warm engine,” says Ebel. “You need twice as much current.” So ask your technician if you’ve got the power to pull it off. And if a situation arises in which you need a boost, don’t do it if you're not sure of what you're doing, the instructor adds. Because you could severely damage your vehicle, or even hurt yourself, it's a matter best left to a professional.

The wiper blades. These are not scrapers. The ice-encrusted surface of your windshield can rip apart cold rubber, especially if it’s already cracked or compromised. And, for safety’s sake, clear your field of vision right around the vehicle, “not just the front and back like people like to do.”

The tires. “People believe this myth that a good all-season tire is as good as a winter tire, and it is not,” says Ebel. A good winter tire is made of a softer compound that remains pliable at low temperatures, maintaining its hold on the road. And you need all four. It might only be the front two that handle the steering but the back tires need enough grip to prevent fishtailing.

The emergency kit. Besides driving slower and leaving plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead, never drive without an emergency kit. Ebel suggests a few basic items:

• Blankets
• Candle in a can, (for generating heat – don’t forget matches and be sure to crack a window)
• Mittens
• Toque
• Socks

And, whenever possible, let someone you trust know your plans, says Ebel. “You need to let people know where you’re going, the route you’re taking and when you expect to get there. Then if you’re not, someone’s out looking for you.”

So, for next year… “The biggest thing is preventive maintenance,” Ebel insists. In general, “If it was worn before, now it’s going to fail. It’s just too cold.”